Karen Hoekstra is the marketing and communications coordinator at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Mich. Bringing nearly two decades of design and marketing experience to her role, Karen coordinates the Johnson Center’s strategic communications efforts through graphic design of collateral materials, reports, and digital graphics, as well as through advertising and promotional campaigns, social media, and maintenance of the Johnson Center website. She is also art director of The Foundation Review, the Johnson Center’s peer-reviewed journal of philanthropy.

Karen joined the Johnson Center in 2015, having previously served as graphic designer for The Salvation Army Kroc Center, and communications director for the Home & Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids. Prior to her time in the nonprofit sector, Karen was a graphic designer at Rivertown Media & Communications and at WXMI Fox17, in addition to serving clients such as Mercy Health, the Saint Mary’s Foundation, and Holland Board of Public Works as a freelance designer. She studied visual communications at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University.

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The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University is one of the nation’s leading academic centers focused on the philanthropic field. We guide foundations, nonprofits, professionals, and donors to strengthen their work and navigate the field. With original research, tools, trainings, and more, we provide trusted guidance for doing good.